Nuclear

What is Nuclear Energy?

A nuclear reactor consists of a series of machines that can control nuclear fission – splitting atoms – to produce electricity. The heat created warms the reactor’s cooling agent, which is usually water but some times liquid metal or molten salt. The cooling agent, heated by nuclear fission, produces steam. The steam then turns turbines or wheels, which in turn drives generators or engines that create electricity.

A by-product of nuclear energy is radioactive material, which needs to be safely stored for hundreds of years.

Why is it important?

Nuclear power generates clean electricity without producing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Another advantage is that it is steady and reliable, complementing generation from renewable sources.

The UK Government has forecast that up to 16GW of the UK’s electricity supply could come from nuclear energy.